2017 has arrived and in five short months, Canadians everywhere will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of Confederation on Canada Day July 1st!
Who remembers where they were 50 years ago for the Centennial celebration on “Dominion Day” in 1967? Did you visit the Centennial train when it came to your town with information and exhibits on the history of Canada? Did you visit Expo 67 in Montréal and the iconic Buckminster Fuller geodesic dome or see the Canadian Armed Forces Tattoo? Are you one of the 30,000 Canadians to receive the Canadian Centennial Medal? Did you participate in the Centennial sports competitions at school and win a Gold, Silver or Bronze Centennial crest for your jacket? Do you remember hearing or singing the Centennial Song: “Ca-Na-Da, One, little, two little, three Canadians”? Can you draw the Centennial logo maple leaf? You probably still have Centennial coins in your dresser drawer or somewhere, like the Centennial nickel with the jack rabbit that looked like a kangaroo or the outstretched dove on the penny? (You do remember pennies, right?) Fifty years from now, what will the memories of Canada’s sesquicentennial be?
Let’s start making some now. In honour of Canada’s 150th Anniversary, Federal Retirees produced a short bilingual video to celebrate our members’ many contributions to the building of this great country. Through the generosity of our members, you shared the images of your careers and proved that we are truly “Still a Force”. Canada 150 is an opportunity for each of us to reflect on the individual and collective contributions we all have made and continue to make to our country. It’s no accident that Canada is consistently ranked amongst the greatest countries in the World in which to live. Civil service or public service, armed service, police service and judicial service is what we gave to achieve this greatness. So be proud of your contributions and celebrate Canada 150 by sharing your stories with the next generation and with us. We’ve posted our video to YouTube so you can easily share it with family and friends on Facebook or play it at your next Branch meeting.
The Government of Canada is maintaining a list of Canada 150 activities and events across the country so it’s easy to get and stay involved. Did you know that Parks Canada is giving away free passes to our National Parks this year or that it’s the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge? Check out the list at http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1475775848282 and let’s celebrate our service.
Video files for branches
If you would like to download a copy of the video file (161 Mb) for your next branch meeting please contact Greg Lister at the National Office by email or by phone 1-855-304-4700 ext. 247 for instructions.
